Nashville Interior Design Star Julie Couch
Julie Couch (@juliecouchinteriors)
I once heard someone compare Interior Designers to comic book heroes: they have the superpower to see through walls and envision what isn't there. We have one such superhero among us here in Nashville and that's Interior Designer, Julie Couch. She's a creative powerhouse and in big demand not just in Nashville but all across the country. You've probably seen her makeovers on TV (that's how I first met Ms. Couch) and she's been featured in publications like Traditional Home, Southern Home, Country Living, Domino.com, The Cottage Journal and more. She's crazy talented, loaded with personality and absolutely delightful. I caught up with Miss Julie at her office and art gallery (G. Grace Gallery) in 12 South.
art by Gus Couch💓 | photography by #carolineallisonphotography
I know you have a stunning home (you can see much of it on Julie's instagram @juliecouchinteriors.) How has sheltering in place been for you and your family?
I love the extra time I’m spending with my family (Julie and her husband have two small children: Gus and Marlowe) that's been a blessing. I’m homeschooling my first grader and between that and running my business, it can be challenging. I know lots of families are dealing with that. I miss my clients, my team. I miss hugging my friends and Orange Theory. That's the first place I'm heading to when it's safe. Overall, I know this pandemic will eventually pass. It's just a matter of time. I know I'm very fortunate in that we have plenty of food in our house and a nice home to shelter in place. I'm very lucky.
Have you discovered anything new about home design as a result of staying at home all these many weeks?
I’ve realized now more than ever that even the smallest details can have a big impact. I’m working from my home office and I’ve learned I need much more organization than I thought! Our master bedroom, bath and office are separate from the rest of the house so I’m grateful we designed the house that way because it helps me to concentrate when I need to focus on work.
Many of us are itching to making improvements to our homes since we're in them 24/7. Any advice about that?
My advice never changes when it comes to this. invest in pieces you love and don’t follow trends or your friend’s opinion. Some of the most unique things in my home are antiques that many people would never look twice at but to me, I treasure them and it’s what makes my home, home.
design by @juliecouchinteriors | photography by #carolineallisonphotography | stunning home of my friend @christywaller
What are the most common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to design?
Scale. That’s #1. I’m a stickler for things being the right size. If you need a rug that’s 12 x 14 and you don’t have much in the budget, it’s better to go to Overstock.com and buy a sea grass than buy something that’s 8x10. Buying a sofa that’s too big for the space is also a problem. Scale is the hardest thing for people to understand. We do everything to scale so clients can see exactly what it looks like.
When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?
I started out as a painter. I majored in Art History and from there went to design school. From the time I was a kid, I was always interested in design. I didn’t know you could be an interior designer so at first I thought I wanted to be a fashion designer. Then, when I was in high school, my mom hired interior decorator, Faith Hadley, to help her with our house, which was very modest, and that changed everything for me. The whole experience was completely transformative. I thought it was pure magic. The impact Faith made on our home was so significant. It wasn't a big dramatic makeover, it was more like a freshening of our house, but it opened my eyes to the fact that I could have a career in interior design. I could have the same impact on other families’ homes that Faith had on ours.
When did you realize you had a talent for design?
I remember when I first started working with clients and they’d ask me questions and I’d think to myself, “This is so obvious, how do you not know this?” I’ve had clients who were doctors and lawyers and they’re very successful at what they do. I think God gives each of us something we’re good at. Plus, I have a deep love of antiques and historical interiors so I’ve always been a big reader and I pore through every design magazine I can get my hands on. I’ve been at this for 16 years and I really believe as I’ve grown more successful, I’ve grown in my ability, as well.
design by @juliecouchinteriors | photography by @kristen.mayfield beautiful home of @sarahcritch
What are some of the challenges you face when working WITH clients?
The biggest challenge is always unrealistic expectations. Someone lives in a ranch with 8ft ceilings and they want dramatic ceiling details that really only work with soaring ceilings. Or, they show me a kitchen that’s $200,000 on Pinterest and their budget is $20,000. The good news is no matter what the space is, I always see potential and promise and can come up with something the client loves.
After doing this as long as I have, I know what things cost. I do a lot of new construction and so I’m able to guide my clients through the budget. One of the most rewarding things I love about what I do is marrying clients’ hopes and dreams with their budget. I never equate great design with big money.
I love interior design but I’ve done a crazy thing or two to my home thinking it would be fabulous and it was far from it. What do you do when your clients tell you their “must-have” and you know it will be a big mistake?
“I think there are better options.” That’s my go-to line when someone has an idea that’s not quite right for their particular space. Someone always has an old chair or table that was in Grandma’s house and it has tons of sentimental value. You find a way to make it work. At the end of the day it’s their house and money. I will always do my best to make their ideas work.
What inspires you?
I love looking at original paintings and sculpture. I also love design books and fine art books. I probably have thousands of design books and I love flipping through those. I also get lots of inspiration walking through antique shops.
design by @juliecouchinteriors | photography by @kristen.mayfield & the best @farrahbmaltz
Where are your favorite places to shop?
In Nashville, my non profit G. Grace Gallery is my favorite source of original art. I founded the gallery in 2017 in honor of my daughter. It’s a non-profit and all of the profits benefit the Forrest Spence Fund which helps families with the non-medical needs of critically or chronically ill children throughout the South. I also love the antiques at Robin Rains’ showroom, The Iron Gate in Franklin, and Redo Home and Design. Chairish.com is my favorite online shop. It’s kind of like 1stdibs but at a more realistic price point. You can search by art deco, vintage, French…they’re relatively new and have grown a ton.
Your instagram is gorgeous. Who do you follow?
Nate Berkus, Windsor Smith, Ray Booth and Bobby McAlpine. When it comes to non-design, I follow my friend, @mrssouthernsocial. She’s a mom and so funny.
What are the colors you predict we’ll see a lot of in the near future?
I was surprised to see this but I actually love it—the return of plums and mauve. We’re also going to see a lot of powder blues and light blush. It’s a really interesting color palette. I think we’ll see more deep reds and golds, too, like we saw 20 years ago. We’re going into more thoughtful complex color. Blush tones are huge and I think that’s coming from the fashion industry.
Do you see the Open-concept layout remaining?
Yes, its how we live. I’m working on a 1940 house and we’re opening up the front room. We’re figuring out how to keep the integrity of the house but still making it functional. We’ll keep on seeing large kitchens and big islands. Often times builders put in open bookshelves but that’s just a recipe for clutter. Most people want to hide things, not have them on display. I’ll add doors and make the shelves look more like an armoire.
design by @juliecouchinteriors | photography by @kristen.mayfield
Instagram and Pinterest are full of gorgeous homes decorated in all-white or light colors and fabrics. How do you do that if you have a house full of kids AND/OR PETS?
You have to use performance fabrics like Sunbrella and Crypton. I’ve gotten to where I use these kinds of fabrics on almost every piece of furniture. My clients are typically younger families with pets. I have one client who says her dogs jump all over the couch with their wet paws and she just wipes them off with a rag.
What would be your dream project?
A boutique hotel on the beach. With a project like that, you don't have to be so concerned about everyday things like where to put the kids' toys or the garden hose. I can really focus on design and being creative. I love the beach and it’s funny because I’m pale-skinned and I have red hair. I wear 100 SPF but I love the beach and everything about it. I’ve done a few beach houses. It would be a cool way to live for a year.